The Republican candidates in the City of Salem General Election swept all seven offices with nearly 80 percent of voters today supporting the GOP.
Even with a “Chamber of Commerce” type of day with temperatures in the 70s and no rain — only 26.79 percent of registered voters voted. That’s just 1,113 voters out of a total of 4,154.
There was a Republican-only primary in May due to only one Democratic candidate on the ballot. Other Democratic candidates came on board once the filing opened for the fall election back in the summer.
Republican Mayor Justin Green received 71 percent of the vote to win re-election, defeating Democratic candidate William Ackerman for the second time since the 2019 election. Tommy Brown III was the first Libertarian candidate for Mayor in Salem’s history and received only 6.04 percent of the vote.
Green received 788 votes or 71.06 percent of the vote. Ackerman pulled 22.9 percent of the vote or 254 votes. Brown III received just 67 votes.
Republican Clerk-Treasurer Incumbent Sally Hattabaugh outpaced her Democratic opponent Erin Bontrager, 3-1, capturing 826 votes or 74.95 percent.
Bontrager received 276 votes or 25.05 percent.
City Council At-Large Republican Candidate Roger Pennington received 76.43 percent or 840 votes and won over Democratic challenger Julie Thixton, who took 259 votes or 23.57 percent.
District One Councilman Danny Libka won re-election and was returned to the chair for a fourth term. Libra won with 169 votes or 75.45 percent. He defeated Democratic candidate Billy Thompson, who received 55 votes.
Dylan Moore won the City Council District 2 seat with 164 votes or 64.57 percent. Paul Holsapple, who was the only Democratic name that would have been on the Primary ballot, received 74 votes or 29.13 percent. Libertarian candidate Tina Ransom, received 16 votes.
Republican Incumbent Steve Crane was returned to the District 3 seat with 194 votes or 65.99 percent. Democratic challenger Mia Leonard received 100 votes or 34.01 percent.
Republican Randy Lee Jr. received 225 to win the District 4 seat. Democratic candidate Renee Mather received 100 votes or 30.77 percent.
Washington County Clerk Stephanie Rockey said the results would be given to the county election board on November 17 to be made official.
“It’s been a long day and a long week,” said Rockey. “We’re excited to get the results wrapped up and to the state. It’s been a smooth day.”
“It was a little bit lower turnout than 2019,” said Rockey. “We had a turnout of 30.7 for the City of Salem election back then. There were 4,368 registered voters. We had 1,341 turn out to vote.”
Rockey said there were 4,154 registered voters in Salem today — a drop of 214 voters since the last election.
“Of the early voting, we had 164 mail in, walk in and travel boards. There were 949 people who voted today for a total of 1,113 votes,” said Rockey.
What the winners had to say:
Justin Green — “We had a good turnout. Very reflective of our community. Thanks to all the voters. Thanks to those who came out. Looking through this we are seeing a very well-placed city administration for 2024. So many things take a team and a group effort. It’s very important to bounce those things off each other. We certainly have a goal, which is the best things for our residents and our community. Very pleased with this team. Very fortunate to have everyone working together.”
Roger Pennington – “I’m just very humbled and honored. I’m very overwhelmed with the response. I’ve got to meet a lot of people. I think our best days are ahead of us. Very optimistic and want the best for our community.”
Dylan Moore – “I really wanted the District 2 seat having been caucused in earlier to fill the at-large seat. A lot of things on the agenda…..a lot of new things coming. A lot of new updates and offerings for our employees. There will be some growing pains, but we are moving in the right direction.”
Danny Libka – “I’ll be starting a fourth term. I’d like to say that I’m extremely grateful to the people who have faith in me. I try to think with my heart. Anytime someone gives me a call, the next call I’ll make is to the mayor. I’m very thankful for the “No Negative” campaigning that was done.”
Sally Hattabaugh – “Very grateful to our community and those who voted. I don’t think people realize what type of job it is to keep track of the funds for the city. And it is a large budget that has to be controlled. That is one of the major functions of my job.”
